Carla L. Shaffer

She was born on February 9, 1958, in Springfield, IL, the daughter of Frank “Bud” and Eda Mae Jennings Shaffer. She married Leroy K. (Kenny) Donathan on May 6, 2000. Carla leaves behind the entire Donathan family, several cousins, nieces, nephews, many dear close friends, and her mom’s cat, Molly.

She graduated from Sacred Heart Academy, Springfield in May 1976. She attended William Wood College in Fulton, MO and Parkland College in Champaign, IL. Carla graduated from St. John’s School of EEG, Springfield, Illinois, and was board certified in 1982. She worked as an Electrodiagnosis Supervisor from 1983-1990 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Carla also worked in Decatur and Springfield before joining Southern Illinois University School of Medicine (SIU) in September 1990. She retired from SIU in July 2005. Carla then worked part-time for Curran-Gardner Township and also catered for monthly Golden Club.

She had a love for animals, but especially for dogs, cats, and horses. She wanted all animals to be cared for. Carla had many dogs (her kids) over the years and most lived to be over 15-years old with her. She always went to fundraisers for animals and donated to animal shelters consistently.

She loved to cook and try new recipes. Carla even published her own cookbook. She won grand champion at Illinois State Fair four times for her salsa and BBQ sauce and won class champion for relish. She would also make blackberry, peach, jalapeno, and habanero jelly. She enjoyed taking photos of flowers and her pets. Carla’s artistic trait came from her mom. She crocheted towels and made decorative clay pens that she sold on eBay and her webpage. Carla had good sense of humor and was always looking for a good time listening to country music, especially Keith Urban.

Visitation and Funeral Ceremony: Friends will be received on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, from 9:30 until 10:15 a.m. at Boardman-Smith Funeral Home, 800 South Grand Ave. West, Springfield. The Funeral Ceremony will follow at 10:30 a.m. with Celebrant Judy Woerner officiating.

Graveside Ceremony: 2:00 p.m. at Cherry Point Cemetery, Route 36 near Chrisman, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL 62702 or Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, 4400 Clayton Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110.